March 4, 2020

COVID-19 response update: 4 Mar 2020

UOW assists student to access medical testing services

The University of Wollongong has today (Wednesday 4 March) assisted a student to access health services for the purpose of being tested for coronavirus COVID-19 after she presented to the campus medical clinic with flu-like symptoms.

The student has been taken in an ambulance for medical tests.

UOW will continue to monitor the situation and update students and staff as new information becomes available.

If the student needs to be isolated while waiting for test results, the University has suitable accommodation available that meets NSW Health’s isolation requirements.

The University routinely helps students access health services when required, particularly international students who are unfamiliar with the Australian health system.

UOW staff will provide ongoing support to the student to ensure their welfare during this period.

Previously other students have sought the University’s help to help access health services over concerns they may have contracted the virus. To date there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus among UOW students and staff.

The health and safety of all students and staff is UOW’s highest priority.

The University will continue to follow the advice and directions set by the Australian Government and NSW Health in its response to this outbreak.

UOW staff continues to work closely with the health authorities to provide a safe environment for the students, staff and community. The University will continue to update students and staff as and when more information becomes available.

The University has long-established public health procedures in place that have been refined from experience during previous influenza pandemics such as SARS in 2003. 

Students or staff who are feeling unwell are advised to phone a general practitioner or their local hospital for information and not to visit in person.

Individuals can minimise risk of infection and avoid the spread of disease by practising positive hygiene principals: washing hands regularly using soap or alcohol-based hand wash; covering your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when coughing and sneezing; discarding used tissues immediately in the bin; not attending work or study if unwell.